The paintings which adorn the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho’s shield tell the story of a people with a rich history and a proud future.

Chief Three Moons, a former chief and legendary leader of the people, is represented by the drawing of three moons.

The tribe has status as a non-treaty nation, depicted by the empty arrow quiver, an unsigned treaty and another shield to show perpetuity.

The nation’s ongoing relationship with the State of Idaho is shown by the state map wrapped in a red ribbon with Kootenai Tribe of Idaho inscribed on the ribbon.

The seven bands of the Kootenai Nation are represented by seven feathers. They depict the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, the Lower Kootenai Band in Creston, B.C., the St. Mary’s Band in Cranbrook, B.C., the Columbia Lake Band in Windermere, B.C., the Sushwap Band in Invermere, B.C., the Tobacco Plains Band in Grasmere, B.C. and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe in Elmo, Montana.